Realistic scenario how Djokovic can end his career with 18 slams

[Moxie]

1. Nadal's playing style is much more taxing on body than Djokovic's
2. Nadal has played much more mathes than Djokovic
3. Djokovic's body is much more flexible and less prone to injury than Nadal's

Yes, Djokovic is more flexible than Nadal, and therefore less given to injury. But I don't see why his playing style is any less taxing. He's run lots of miles on court with lots of stops and starts. As to the number of matches played, it happens that Novak has closed the gap in the last few years. Rafa: 775 - 164, Novak: 702 - 147. Difference is 90 matches, and Nole played 88 last year, so about a year's worth of playing.

 

[Ricardo]

Yes, Djokovic is more flexible than Nadal, and therefore less given to injury. But I don't see why his playing style is any less taxing. He's run lots of miles on court with lots of stops and starts. As to the number of matches played, it happens that Novak has closed the gap in the last few years. Rafa: 775 - 164, Novak: 702 - 147. Difference is 90 matches, and Nole played 88 last year, so about a year's worth of playing.

These two do play quite similarly, the difference in longevity is obviously that Nadal has 90 matches more mileage, and he is way heavier built. I think Rafa at one stage lost intentionally around 10 pounds so he could relieve some stress on his knees. I would give Djoker about two more years of longevity compared to Rafa, one year for less mileage and one for less body mass.

 

[Moxie]

These two do play quite similarly, the difference in longevity is obviously that Nadal has 90 matches more mileage, and he is way heavier built. I think Rafa at one stage lost intentionally around 10 pounds so he could relieve some stress on his knees. I would give Djoker about two more years of longevity compared to Rafa, one year for less mileage and one for less body mass.

I get your calculation, and it does make sense. Some would also add a year for his flexibility training, which may yet be the case.

 

[Obsi]

But I don't see why his playing style is any less taxing.

Djokovic's style is less hard on knees and look how much pressure Nadal puts on his body wtih topspin.

As to the number of matches played, it happens that Novak has closed the gap in the last few years. Rafa: 775 - 164, Novak: 702 - 147. Difference is 90 matches, and Nole played 88 last year, so about a year's worth of playing.

In one year Djokovic can win 3 slams. Think about it.

 

[britbox]

Djokovic's style is less hard on knees and look how much pressure Nadal puts on his body wtih topspin.



In one year Djokovic can win 3 slams. Think about it.

So can Wilander.

 

[Ricardo]

Djokovic's style is less hard on knees and look how much pressure Nadal puts on his body wtih topspin.



In one year Djokovic can win 3 slams. Think about it.

or he can lose 3, so what?

 

[Obsi]

or he can lose 3, so what?

Moxie said gap between Djokovic and Nadal is 90 matches and my point is that a year is a BIG difference.

 

[Denis]

Moxie said gap between Djokovic and Nadal is 90 matches and my point is that a year is a BIG difference.

Obsi, Ricardo is a Djokovic-fan troll: better to ignore him.

 

[Moxie]

Obsi, Ricardo is a Djokovic-fan troll: better to ignore him.

Oh, come on, Denis. This isn't a Djokovic fan site. If we don't debate it isn't fun, imo. And in this case, we're talking about a future scenario. The "what if's" can go either way. Plus, Obsi was directly comparing Novak to my guy.

 

[Moxie]

Moxie said gap between Djokovic and Nadal is 90 matches and my point is that a year is a BIG difference.

You were saying that Nadal has played a ton more matches than Novak. It used to be the case that he was more than a year beyond, even more like two, in terms of number of matches played. I was merely pointing out that, in "tennis years," they are now more like on par, as Nadal is a year older. In terms of what Nole can do to catch up to Rafa in Majors and otherwise records, etc., that's another question. And yes, it all depends on the year. TBH, I didn't understand your earlier response to me, because it didn't address my point, so thanks for clarifying.

 

[Ricardo]

Oh, come on, Denis. This isn't a Djokovic fan site. If we don't debate it isn't fun, imo. And in this case, we're talking about a future scenario. The "what if's" can go either way. Plus, Obsi was directly comparing Novak to my guy.

It's ok, common knowledge by now that if you don't salute to Djoker you are being a troll, or belittling him (victim card of course), or disrespecting him, according to Djoker fans. There is just something in common among them that's unpleasant.

 

[Ricardo]

Moxie said gap between Djokovic and Nadal is 90 matches and my point is that a year is a BIG difference.

and my point is that it's too early to say he can or not. Maybe he equals the slam count this year, maybe he needs more time, maybe he never will. You don't know if it's a big difference until it happens.

 

[Moxie]

and my point is that it's too early to say he can or not. Maybe he equals the slam count this year, maybe he needs more time, maybe he never will. You don't know if it's a big difference until it happens.

The point of the thread is not whether he can equal Rafa's slam count, but surpass Roger's. I think if Rafa doesn't score another one this year, and Nole doesn't get injured, that it is inevitable he'll at least tie Nadal. Folks are gaming how viable Djokovic is, and for how long, as he'll likely have to go a ways beyond 30 to get 6 more. I'm replying to the argument that he's many matches behind Nadal, and that his style of play is less punitive on the body. He has caught up to Rafa, in "tennis years." But he is very fit and flexible, which should give him more time. I still say it's unlikely that he wins the next 5 or 6 Majors in succession. Therefore, he'll have to buck the odds, post 30, to pass Federer.

 

[Obsi]

and my point is that it's too early to say he can or not. Maybe he equals the slam count this year, maybe he needs more time, maybe he never will. You don't know if it's a big difference until it happens.

We don't know what will happen but I ask you: is it reasonable to say that Djokovic can win 3 slams in one year?

 

[Ricardo]

We don't know what will happen but I ask you: is it reasonable to say that Djokovic can win 3 slams in one year?

During 2011-2015 where he is at his prime, he's had 2 years when he won 3 slams so the odds are against him. So my reply is even more 'reasonable', that he can lose 3 instead. saying that makes me a 'troll' according to your fellow joker fan.

 

[Ricardo]

The point of the thread is not whether he can equal Rafa's slam count, but surpass Roger's. I think if Rafa doesn't score another one this year, and Nole doesn't get injured, that it is inevitable he'll at least tie Nadal. Folks are gaming how viable Djokovic is, and for how long, as he'll likely have to go a ways beyond 30 to get 6 more. I'm replying to the argument that he's many matches behind Nadal, and that his style of play is less punitive on the body. He has caught up to Rafa, in "tennis years." But he is very fit and flexible, which should give him more time. I still say it's unlikely that he wins the next 5 or 6 Majors in succession. Therefore, he'll have to buck the odds, post 30, to pass Federer.

For me if he doesn't at least tie Rafa and win RG at some stage, then he's underachieved.... kind of. And if he surpasses Roger, then he's over-achieved.... put simply.

 

[Obsi]

During 2011-2015 where he is at his prime, he's had 2 years when he won 3 slams so the odds are against him. So my reply is even more 'reasonable', that he can lose 3 instead. saying that makes me a 'troll' according to your fellow joker fan.

According to bookmakers, in 2016 Djokovic is more likely to win 3 than 2 or 1 slam

https://www.skybet.com/tennis/specials/novak-djokovic-specials